21-22

<p>Very dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the mountains around Cooke City, where strong winds gusting to 60 mph are drifting 13” of new snow equal to 1.3” of <a href="https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/null/?cid=nrcseprd1314… water equivalent</a> (SWE) into thick slabs that will avalanche on steep slopes. Large avalanches are likely and slides breaking on weak layers buried 2-3’ deep are possible. Today, snowfall and strong winds will continue to load slopes. Avoid all steep, wind-loaded slopes and the areas immediately below because human-triggered avalanches are very likely.</p>

<p>The avalanche danger is HIGH on wind-loaded slopes and CONSIDERABLE on all others. In non-wind-loaded terrain, cautious route-finding, conservative decision-making and careful snowpack evaluation are essential.</p>

<p>Dangerous avalanche conditions exist in the Northern Madison and Northern Gallatin Range, where strong winds are drifting 8-10” of new snow (0.8-1.0” of SWE) into unstable slabs on steep slopes. Winds are gusting 60-80 mph and will affect the snow at all elevations and aspects, expect to see different loading patterns than you are used to. Human-triggered avalanches are likely on wind-loaded slopes and could be large, especially in alpine terrain exposed to more wind. Slides failing on weak facets buried 18-30” deep are possible on isolated slopes (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0w18Fxp-dmI"><strong>Flanders video</strong></a>). Signs of instability such as recent avalanches, shooting cracks or collapsing tell you to select lower angle riding or skiing.</p>

<p>The danger is CONSIDERABLE on wind-loaded slopes and MODERATE on all others.</p>

<p>Our accident report from the Wilson Peak avalanche on April 2nd is complete and available <a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/22/04/04"><strong>HERE.</strong></…;

<p>Human-triggered avalanches are possible in the Southern Madison, Southern Gallatin and Bridger Ranges and in the mountains around West Yellowstone, where strong winds are drifting 3-5” of new snow (0.3-0.5” SWE). Despite the lower snow totals, avalanches could be large in alpine terrain exposed to more wind and on isolated slopes with weak layers buried 1-2’ deep. A skier was injured and evacuated by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GallatinCountySAR/">Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue</a> two days ago when a pair triggered a small avalanche on a wind-loaded slope north of Big Sky (<a href="https://www.mtavalanche.com/accident/22/04/04"><strong>photos and details</strong></a>). This is a good reminder that even relatively small avalanches are consequential when terrain traps such as trees or cliffs are present.</p>

<p>The danger is MODERATE on wind-loaded slopes and LOW on non-wind-loaded slopes. Retreat to terrain unaffected by the wind if you observe signs of drifting or instability.</p>

<p>If you get out, please send us your observations no matter how brief. You can submit them via our website, email (mtavalanche@gmail.com), phone (406-587-6984), or Instagram (#gnfacobs).</p>